Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

If you've not come across Clayborn before, he is a legendary guitar evangelist preacher who in the market of the day was successful in what they called the "race" market. Along with vaudeville, jazz and blues, there was an audience for sacred music including singing preachers recorded with their congregations and for a group of emerging singer/guitarists like Clayborn. These sides, originally on 78s, were recorded between 1926 and 1928 and when heard altogether on a single CD, there is something very monotonous about his limited guitar playing since every song has exactly the same rhythm. Having said that, Clayborn is responsible for two absolute classics that are featured here and have been covered by many other people. "Your Enemy Cannot Harm You" starts off describing the story of Judas but ends with Clayborn suggesting you can't trust anybody. Clearly the dude had been badly treated at some point! Another classic is "The Gospel Train Is Coming" and somehow "The Wrong Way To Celebrate Christmas" seems thoroughly contemporary lyrically for the 21st century. Aside from his limited guitar playing, Clayborn was an excellent lyricist and the track "Let That Lie Alone" is the best example here to prove that point. Robert Johnson is much admired for his primitive blues recordings and Clayborn could be considered a gospel equivalent, writing songs that influenced all the gospel blues that followed.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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